If you are looking to travel outside Kenya for any reason, a Kenyan passport is mandatory. The Kenyan Passport ranks 67th globally with a mobility score of 78 on the Passport Ranking Index, highlighting its significance and level of global acceptance. Over the years, the passport application process in Kenya has been made more accessible, especially after the introduction of the eCitizen Portal. The eCitizen platform is a centralised government portal where you can access all government of Kenya services online, including Passport application, renewal, tracking status, etc.
All things Passports in Kenya are handled by the Ministry of Interior & National Administration through the Department of Immigration. The process of getting a passport in Kenya requires one to know the process involved, the types of passports, and the fees that you will be required to pay. If you are a new applicant, don’t worry. This guide aims to cover everything to help you get your passport on time.
Passport Types In Kenya And Fees
According to the new constitution of Kenya, which came into effect in 2010, every citizen must be given a passport if they apply. Therefore, for those unaware, the Department of Immigration offers various passport types, each serving a specific purpose. In Kenya, there are up to 7 passport types, each consisting of 4 passport types and 3 documents.
Ordinary Passports
These are the most common passport types offered to the general public. The passport has a blue cover divided into series with different page types. The first is the A series, which has 34 pages serving those who travel less. It is only priced at Ksh 7,550. The second is the B series, having 50 Pages priced at Ksh 9,550, it’s best suited for people who travel more frequently, and the extra Pages are for Visa stamps. The last series is 66 pages, best suited for those who constantly travel, and provides more pages for Visa stamps.
Diplomatic Passports
Diplomatic Passports are best suited for only top government officials in Kenya, mainly Members of the executive and the Judiciary. This passport type is given out in a maroon cover, and the cost to apply is Ksh 15,050.
Interstate Pass (EAC)
Interstate passes are also known as East African Passports. These passports are offered to Kenyan Citizens who want to travel through the East African member states. The best thing about an EAC passport is that its application doesn’t cost a cent.
Mutilated Pass and Lost Passports
In case you damage or lose your püassport, it is a requirement that you replace your passport immediately. Both damaged and Lost Passports in Kenya attract a fee of Ksh 20,050
While the above are the most well-known types of passports in Kenya, other travel documents offered by the Department of Immigration in Kenya are:
- Certificate of Identity (for Foreigners)- Ksh 3050
- Temporary Permit- Ksh 1050
Requirements for First-time Passport Applications
Now that you understand the various passport types offered, the next thing is to make your application. But even before that, you should know that passport application and processing in Kenya demand that you are eligible. If it’s your first time applying for a passport, below are the requirements to make sure you have in order.
- Scanned copies of National ID cards, Birth certificates & Certificate of Registration for Non-Kenyan Citizens
- Application form 19, which is filled out and submitted online, is accessible via the Citizen portal.
- Scanned copies of Parents’ National ID Cards and Death certificates may be required
- A consent letter for Minors who are applying under the direct supervision of Parents
How To Apply For a Passport
So long as you are eligible for any passport application, getting a passport is easier than you think since the introduction of e-passport Systems. The eCitizen platform has been a game changer in accessing all the various services offered by different ministries and departments of the national government.
Below are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Create or log in to your eCitizen account
Passport applications in Kenya are done through the eCitizen portal. This means that you must log in or register to access all the services the platform offers. If you don’t have an active account, here is how to create one quickly.
- Visit the Official eCitizen website
- Proceed and click Register to start the account Creation Process
- When prompted on the next page, select your account type, i.e., Kenyan Citizen or Resident.
- Proceed to fill out the Registration form by keying in your ID number and Name as required
- Next, you will be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, agree to the terms and conditions, and click the continue button.
- Make sure to verify your email address, and you will now have an eCitizen account
Step 2: Access the Directorate of Immigration Services
Once logged in, navigate to the Directorate of Immigration Services section and select ‘passport application.’Here, you will see several services listed, including:
- Dependant Pass
- Special Pass
- Student/Internship/Research Pass
- Endorsement
- Work Permits
- eVisa Application
- Interstate Pass Application
- Student Pass
- Temporary Permit Application
- Temporary Permit Application – Adult Application
- Passport Application
Step 2: Select Passport Application Category
Next, you will select a Passport application from the list of services that you are presented with and click on the Next button until you reach the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. Here, fill out the application form as required
Step 3: Fill in Applicant Details
Next, you’ll fill out the application form, ensuring all details are accurate. You’ll also need to upload the documents the system requires. When done, double-check everything before submitting the form to avoid any rejections.
Step 3: Making the Payment
Before officially submitting your details on the eCitizen platform, one last step is to pay for the passport you are applying for. The fees for passports vary, and I believe I have already discussed that above. If you are ready to make your payment on the same portal, please choose any payment method the platform requires. This can be through M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or a credit card.
Step 4: Biometric Capture and Appointment
Once the payment is processed, you must book an appointment for biometric capture. This is a crucial step, where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. The whole process is done outside the Citizen Portal and requires you to visit migration centres in the country, which are located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, and Kisumu. See all centres here
Step 5: Processing and Collection
The last step involves collecting your passport once it is ready. Basically, you will be notified via SMS message on the number you provided during the application to inform you that your passport is now ready for collection. For those wondering how long it takes to get your passport when applied, it basically takes about 5 to 10 days, but in some cases, it might take even 2 weeks if there are many applications
How to Track Passport Status in Kenya
Once you have applied for your Passport, you can track its Status via the Posta Booking and Collection Portal. Here is how
To know the status of your passport application in Kenya, follow the steps below:
- Visit the Posta Kenya passport tracking portal
- Enter the tracking number provided on your photo token receipt.
- Click the “Track my passport” button to view the status of your application.
Questions And Answers
How much is the passport application fee in Kenya 2025?
The fee depends on the type and number of pages, for example:
- A Series (34 pages): Ksh 7,550
- B Series (50 pages): Ksh 9,550
- C Series (66 pages): Ksh 12,050
For lost or mutilated passports, the replacement fee is Ksh 20,050
What documents do I need to apply for a passport in Kenya?
You need the following documents for a new passport application:
- Original birth certificate and a copy
- Original national ID card and a copy
- Duly filled application Form 19 and payment invoices
- Three recent passport-sized photos
- Recommender’s ID card copy
- Consent letter for minors (if applicable)
- Parents’ national ID cards or death certificates (if applicable)
- Old passport (for renewal or replacement).
How much is a 32-page international passport in Kenya?
There is no 32-page passport in Kenya; instead, the closest is the “A Series,” with 34 pages and a cost of Ksh 7,550.
Can I apply for a 5-year passport?
There is no valid 5-year passport for adults except for diplomatic passports, which may have different validity periods but not exactly 5. The standard validity of a passport in Kenya is 10 years for adults.
Who qualifies for a diplomatic passport in Kenya?
They are issued to government officials travelling on official state business, such as diplomats, senior government officials, and sometimes their families, as determined by the government
What’s the difference between an ordinary and diplomatic passport?
See the comparison Table below:
| Feature | Ordinary Passport | Diplomatic Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | General public | Government officials, diplomats |
| Use | Personal, business, tourism | Official government travel |
| Fee | Ksh 7,550–12,050 (varies) | Ksh 15,050 (50 pages) |
| Pages | 34, 50, or 66 | Typically 50 |
How long does it take to get a Kenyan passport?
For a first-time passport, it takes at least 10 working days after your form is physically submitted. Other applications (renewal, replacement) take at least five working days, but it may take longer if more information is needed or if there are errors in the application.
Is a parent’s birth certificate mandatory for a passport in Kenya?
Yes, the original and copies of parents’ birth certificates may be required for minors. For adults, your National Identity Card is Necessary
And there you have it. We believe the article has covered everything you need when applying for a passport in Kenya. Today, passport applications are not made via immigration offices but through the eCitizen platform. Therefore, by following what we have covered in the article, you can easily get your passport on time.
